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1. (n.) electroscope
a device for detecting the presence and determining the sign of electric charges by means of electrostatic attraction and repulsion, often between two pieces of gold leaf enclosed in a glass-walled chamber.
Etymology: (1815–25)
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| Definition of 'electroscope' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) electroscope
measuring instrument that detects electric charge; two gold leaves diverge owing to repulsion of charges with like sign
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| Definition of 'electroscope' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) electroscope
an instrument for detecting the presence of electricity, or changes in the electric state of bodies, or the species of electricity present, as by means of pith balls, and the like
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| Definition of 'electroscope' |
The Standard Electrical Dictionary |
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1. electroscope
An apparatus for indicating the presence of an electric charge, and also for determining the sign, or whether the charge is positive or negative. The simplest form consists of a thread doubled at its centre and hung therefrom. On being charged, or on being connected to a charged body the threads diverge. A pair of pith balls may be suspended in a similar way, or a couple of strips of gold leaf within a flask (the gold leaf electroscope). To use an electroscope to determine the sign of the charge it is first slightly charged. The body to be tested is then applied to the point of suspension, or other charging point. If at once further repelled the charge of the body is of the same sign as the slight charge first imparted to the electroscope leaves; the leaves as they become more excited will at once diverge more. If of different sign they will at first approach as their charge is neutralized and will afterwards diverge.
The gold-leaf electroscope is generally enclosed in a glass bell jar or flask. Sometimes a pair of posts rise, one on each side, to supply points of induction from the earth to intensify the action. (See Electrometer, Quadrant--Electroscope, Gold leaf, and others.)
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Definitions of electroscope 
